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In case you are wondering what’s going on here, I am joining up with The Nester and her 31 Day Challenge. I am challenging myself to write about Thankfulness for 31 days…every day be thankful for something, even if it’s little. A way to force me to look at the positive so to speak…if you want to see all the 31 day posts I do, click HERE.

Well everyone, I figured this would happen eventually during this whole 31 days of thankfulness thing, but today…um, well, it’s just a really bad day. There you have it. Lots of tears at the moment. I could use some choice words about today but since I’m supposed to be avoiding complaining during this time, I’ll refrain, but overall I have to say this: being a Mom is really, really, really hard. REALLY HARD. Especially if your son is as rambunctious, driven, excitable and emotional as Jake is. Let’s just say that currently, as I type this, the bag of Nestle morsels is being inhaled. Right now. As we speak. In fact, it’s almost gone. ugh.

Today was the class field trip to the fire station and picnic at the park. Jake has been so very excited about this trip. We laid out his clothes last night because we got to bed a bit late and I knew that he would need to sleep in a little this morning. But at 6 AM, I heard somebody stumble into my room DRESSED and READY to go to school for the field trip. So awesome. He was that excited.

Pretty much the moment the field trip started we were in trouble. While the class was getting ready to leave their classroom to load up into cars, Jake decided he needed to go #2, so he sat on the pot while the rest of the kids waited on the curb. I’m sure that was stressful for him. We then loaded up in the cars and when we arrived, Jake asked to walk with another group of boys and they told him he wasn’t in their group. That probably hurt too {or maybe it was just me that hurt, ha}. Once at the fire station, the engine was gone out on an emergency so we had to wait a bit, so a game of duck, duck goose was played. Jake never got picked.

He was crushed. It was too much for him. He lost it.

I eventually got him calmed down enough to join the rest of the class welcoming the fire engine and he cheered up for a bit while they viewed the engine and asked questions, and thankfully was able to enjoy the trip for a little bit.

He also hung out with his friend Preston for a bit, which was nice.

He also got to shoot water from the hose, which he loved

But overall, I spent a whole lot of time away from the rest of the group trying to calm him down. Really, the fact that he hasn’t got a lot of rest I’m sure played into it. But regardless, it’s still pretty hard.

Let me say this. It is very difficult to have a child that may not be the most popular kid due to the fact that he is a bit out of control. He is super smart, very handsome and a great dresser {he dresses himself most of the time, crazy I know}, but most kids shy away from him because he is still learning the whole “keeping to your own bubble” concept. When you see a child that is a bit gregarious, please, PLEASE…pretty please, understand that often times the parents are not clueless and out of control. It just means that the kid is giving them a run for their money. And they are doing the best they can to guide those kids. I promise. Take my word for it.

Today I am thankful for the fire station. Because I realized while I was there that I have a lot of teaching to do with Jake. Also, as I hugged him while he cried after not being picked during duck, duck, goose, I remembered. For a second I was able to forget how frustrated I was about him throwing a fit, and how embarrassed I was that all the other moms were watching it all unfold, but I remembered what it was like to be in a class where you might not have tons of friends. Where people might think you are different. I had a year or two {or maybe more} of those. I think we all have been there at some point. It’s very hard to fit in and find your way. And while I sat there, outside of the fire station, hugging my boy, I thanked God for all those times throughout my life when I felt like an outsider, left out, mis understood….because for that one second, I was able to comfort my boy and understand his pain. For the first time ever, I realized that those times were not in vain, but that God allowed me to go through different moments like that so that I could be there for my kiddos when they experienced things like that.

I realize this may not be the most uplifting post, but I do want to say this…be thankful for your life. You never know when it might come in handy. And cherish those kiddos. Because they need you. To lead and guide them. And to point the way. To help them to understand.

And dear Lord, please guide me with this boy you have given me. This is really, really hard. REALLY HARD. I know you must have a reason for giving me him. He is pretty amazing. Help me to teach him to be a loving and kind friend. And a Christian. Because when it all boils down to it, I don’t care if he is a rocket scientist. I just want him to be loving, and kind, and caring of others. And ok, a little smarts wouldn’t hurt either. Thank you, Lord for giving me this beautiful boy. I love him.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

“All things work together for good, for those who love God…” Romans 8:28

xoxo

Challenge: Think of a time in your life that perhaps was a difficult for you but now you look back and it has become a blessing. Thank God for it today. Nothing is ever in vain with Him. He knows that all we go through will eventually be used for good. xoxo

PS, thank you to my dear friend Heidi and my new good friends Tammy and Nicole for being so kind to my boy. Thank you for loving him despite the frustrating behavior. You guys rock!! love you.

7 thoughts on “”

I almost cried. I totally understand the part of relating with your son. I always had low self esteem when I was little so when i see my 10 year feel out of place i always comfort himand tell him who he is in christ. And i will forever read your blog i come here for encouragement not for decorating. you have your own God-given niche stick with it. luv ya!!

Good grief Amy you finally made me cry with one of your posts. Yes I’ve been there with my son who doesn’t understand yet about being in ‘the bubble’. He gets too hyper and is excitable and doesn’t grasp personal boundaries. So yes there are times that’s he’s not understood, laughed at, & excluded. It’s hard. It’s hard when I see it happen and hard because I know it happens when I’m not around. I can comfort him to a degree but what about when I’m not there and he comes home somber & quiet and I can tell he’s had a rough day but he can’t find the words to tell me about it. I hate those days.

Your son is so lucky to have such a compassionate and thoughtful Mom! I have three kids and they all have such different personalities. It is hard to navigate all of the emotions and obstacles that come from each child/personality. Thanks for reminding us that even the hard days bring things to be thankful for and lessons to be learned. We just have to be open to them. Today you were. Give yourself credit for that!

Wow, I think I could have wrote that post and just inserted my son’s name. I feel your pain momma, been there! It does get better! My son is finally learning some self control! Knock on wood this school year is going much better than last. I think it helped that our school started the bucket dipper and bucket filler program. We have bought some of the books and talk often about how we want to be bucket fillers and by our actions are we filling our friends bucket and our own or are we dipping into them. Finally a concept he seems to get and use! Also, you might want to check out the author Julia Cook. She has some great books written for kids that deal with some of these things.

Amy just remember many great men & women in this world were misjudged, mistreated & misunderstood. Just keep encouraging him. Keep teaching him he has a great God that created him for a great purpose. It’s ok to feel overwhelmed but your attitude & leaning on the word of God will keep you & direct you in raising this precious boy. I know my little Mia lives in her own “world” at times. I feel as if I am losing it at times but then I see her strong will & passion & I am excited for what God has planned for her life. Your kids can’t go wrong. Their parents are kind, compassionate, God fearing, driven & so much more. Love you girl! Wish we can connect soon. It would be nice to see all of you. It’s been too long. Praise God the weather is changing because my hoodies will be my staple garmet this season! My sis just got hers & was so happy!

Amy, your blog brought tears to my eyes this morning. I understand the hurt when your children are hurting. I would rather be hurt myself than see them go through things. And….. hold on ….. it hurts even when they are grown-up and people hurt them. I always remind the Lord that they were dedicated to Him as a baby and I know that HE has them in the palm of His hand. Jake may have more troubled seas ahead – but he will do fine with you and Brandon as his parents! I love you and am thankful that you are my friend!

Thank you, thank you for sharing your life and your heart!. Yes I’m in tears because I can relate I have a 5 year old too…Izzy and she’s amazing and loving and over the top which is very exhausting but God knew we needed her in our lives:). We also believe she has ADHD I pray God gives us His wisdom on how to help her as I will pray for your little family too. God Bless you.